give (one) a hard time
1. To tease someone about something, often for one's own enjoyment. I hate talking to Uncle Ned at family parties—he always gives me a hard time about being a poetry major. I'm pretty sure that Kevin likes Katie, so I keep giving him a hard time about it. Aw, come on, dude, I was just giving you a hard time. No need to get upset about it.
2. To treat someone harshly and make things difficult for them. I think I've done a good job at work, but the boss keeps giving me a hard time—I don't think he likes me very much. Stop giving the interns such a hard time! They're doing the best they can. Bullies always seems to give new kids a hard time.
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